At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead architectural projects from concept to completion, ensuring design quality and compliance.
- Company: Unity Land, a forward-thinking real estate development company focused on impactful projects.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor junior architects while driving innovative projects.
- Why this job: Shape communities with sustainable designs and make a lasting impact in real estate.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years of experience in architecture and design management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Unity Land invests in, develops, and manages prime real estate assets designed to create long-term financial, cultural, social, and aesthetic value. The company focuses on projects that positively shape communities and endure across generations. Each asset is selected and crafted with intention, emphasizing quality, resilience, and thoughtful design. Unity Land’s strategy is grounded in patience and a belief in the strength of the long view, resulting in places that are both impactful and sustainable.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Architect to join our in-house architecture studio within a real estate development company. This is a hybrid senior role, combining hands-on architectural delivery with development-side design management, consultant oversight, and project governance. The role requires ownership of projects from early concept through delivery and handover, acting as both Lead Architect and Design/Development Manager. You will be responsible for preparing and coordinating design information, managing consultants, protecting design quality, controlling technical compliance, and acting as a key interface between development, construction, consultants, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities- Act as Lead Architect for multiple projects across residential, mixed-use, or commercial developments
- Lead concept, planning, and technical design stages through to construction and completion
- Prepare, review, and sign off on architectural drawings, specifications, reports, and schedules
- Ensure design intent, quality, and commercial objectives are maintained throughout the project lifecycle
- Develop and maintain design standards, details, and technical guidelines aligned with company objectives
- Act as Design Manager from a developer’s perspective, overseeing internal and external designers
- Manage information flow, design programmes, deliverables, and approvals
- Lead design reviews, value engineering exercises, and risk mitigation workshops
- Ensure design coordination and clash-free documentation before construction issues
- Own the design information process, including staging, gateway reviews, and audit trails
- Review and approve technical drawings, specifications, schedules, and outputs
- Ensure compliance with: Planning conditions, Building Regulations, Fire strategy and statutory requirements, Employer’s Requirements and Development Brief
- Control document status, revisions, and issue procedures
- Work closely with Development, Commercial, and Construction teams to align design with budget, programme, and risk
- Review and manage consultant appointments, scopes of service, and fee proposals
- Review payment applications, milestone completions, and variation requests
- Support procurement by reviewing tender queries, contractor proposals, and technical submissions
- Maintain design ownership during construction, acting as the design authority
- Attend site regularly to review progress, quality, and compliance
- Review and respond to: RFIs and technical queries, Shop drawings and samples, Design changes and site instructions
- Ensure the built work reflects the approved design and specifications
- Act as a primary client-side design lead, representing the company internally and externally
- Manage communication with: Internal development and construction teams, Local authorities and statutory bodies, External consultants and contractors
- Mentor and manage junior architects and assistants within the studio
- Support recruitment, workload planning, and capability development within the studio
- Typically, 5–10+ years post-qualification experience
- Proven experience delivering projects from concept to completion
- Strong background in design management within a developer-led, or client-side environment preferred
- Excellent technical knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction processes
- Experience managing consultants, appointments, and fee structures
- Confidence leading projects on-site and during construction
- Experience working within or alongside real estate developers
- Understanding of commercial and residential development viability
- Familiarity with JCT and/or Design & Build procurement routes
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- Commercially aware and risk-focused
- Design and Detail-oriented with the ability to see the wider project picture
- Confident communicator across design, construction, and commercial teams
- Able to balance design quality with programme and cost constraints
Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager in London employer: Unity Land
Unity Land is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees within a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a focus on impactful real estate projects, team members benefit from hands-on experience in a hybrid role that combines architectural delivery with design management, all while contributing to sustainable community development. The company fosters a supportive environment where creativity thrives, offering opportunities for mentorship and professional advancement in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Unity Land who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Architect / Design & Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Unity Land!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Unity Land. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unity Land
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Unity Land.
